The Asheville-based health system's policy calls for limiting visitors when the State Influenza Surveillance Report shows greater than 2 percent activity for “influenza-like illness” and restricting visitors when the State Influenza Surveillance Report shows greater than 6 percent activity.

"While we implemented the limiting of visitors on January 2, 2014, we never had to implement restricting visitors. Mission Health is happy to announce that activity for 'influenza-like illness' has now been below 2 percent for a few weeks in a row and, therefore, we are ending the limiting of visitors effective immediately," a statement from Mission Health said.

<p>The end of the flu season in sight for Western North Carolina. Mission Health announced Tuesday morning that it has lifted its visitor restrictions due to flu activity.</p><p>Now, Park Ridge Health, Pardee Hospital and Mission Health have all lifted their visitor restrictions.</p><p>The Asheville-based health system's policy calls for limiting visitors when the State Influenza Surveillance Report shows greater than 2 percent activity for “influenza-like illness” and restricting visitors when the State Influenza Surveillance Report shows greater than 6 percent activity. </p><p>"While we implemented the limiting of visitors on January 2, 2014, we never had to implement restricting visitors. Mission Health is happy to announce that activity for 'influenza-like illness' has now been below 2 percent for a few weeks in a row and, therefore, we are ending the limiting of visitors effective immediately," a statement from Mission Health said.</p><p>The health system operates six hospitals, including Mission Hospital in Asheville, Transylvania Regional in Brevard, Angel Medical Center in Franklin, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital in Highlands, McDowell Hospital in Marion.</p><p>Last Thursday,Park Ridge Health announced that the hospital will be lifting its visitor restrictions effective immediately.</p><p>Yesterday, Pardee Hospital followed suit. </p><p>At last count, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported that a total of 85 people have died of flu-related illness in the state this flu season.</p>